1971 Career-Defining Classic Was a Massive No. 1 Hit 55 Years Ago Today
In 1971, Marvin Gaye released a song that would redefine his career and become one of the most important recordings of its time.
On April 15, 1971, "What's Going On" celebrated its place as No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart, where it remained for five weeks. The song also climbed to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, highlighting its popularity across genres and its growing audience.
Its success marked a major milestone in Gaye's career and helped launch the album of the same name, which is now widely regarded as one of the greatest albums ever created.
Released earlier that year on January 21, 1971, the song took a bold new direction, blending soul music with social commentary. Its smooth sound paired with lyrics addressing issues like war, poverty and inequality helped it stand out from much of the music on the charts at the time.
Gaye wrote the track alongside Renaldo Benson and Al Cleveland, and they worked together to make it reflect the cultural climate of the early 1970s. Its layered vocals and laid-back groove created a distinctive sound, while its message gave it a deeper sense of purpose that resonated with listeners across generations.
Reflecting on that period, Gaye spoke about the emotions behind the music. "There was a lot of unrest in America," he said. "My brother was at war, and I prayed that he would come through safely." He described it as "a very trying period," and this perspective heavily shaped the song's message and tone.
More than five decades later, "What's Going On" remains a defining piece of Marvin Gaye's career. Its influence continues to be felt, with the song often ranked among the greatest recordings of all time and remembered for both its sound and its message.
Related: 1972 Hit Ranked Among 'Greatest Songs of All Time' Became a Timeless Anthem
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This story was originally published April 15, 2026 at 11:58 PM.